This article is for those who aspire to work in Germany or already working in Germany who would like to get clarity on the various types of visa options.

Job seeker visa

If you are from another country who would like to come to Germany to explore various job opportunities, then this visa is for you. The job seeker visa is valid for 6 months. You cannot work immediately after coming to Germany in job seeker visa. It is given in order to find an employment and further you can convert it into an employment visa

EU Blue Card

EU Blue Card is predominantly given to working professionals who have done their Masters in Germany. If you have an open contract (unlimited – Unbefristet), then you can get Blue card for a maximum of 4 years. After that, you can renew it. But, within 21-24 months of working, you are eligible for Permanent Residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis)

Niederlassungserlaubnis

Permanent residence is given to working professionals after 21 months (if you already have B1 Language Certificate and have completed your Masters in Germany) or 33 months if you don’t have B1. You can stay outside Germany for a maximum of 6 months with this type of visa. Also, you will be eligible to study again or start your own company or work part time and study part time.

EU Daueraufenthalt

After 5 years of working in Germany with Blue Card or if you have completed your Masters in Germany, then

Duration of studies/2 + No. of months of work

must account to a total of 5 years, then you are eligible for EU Daueraufenthalt. This is similar to permanent residence in entire EU. You do not require any further visa for employment in any other EU country if you have this. You can stay outside EU for a maximum of 1 year with this visa

If you have any doubts in types of visa and would like to get mentoring from alumni or working professionals in Germany, you could ASK A BUDDY in myhelpbuddy. We have created a platform to connect newbies, international students, alumni and mentors to help each other and share their experiences. If you would like to become a buddy, check out how you can be a part of myhelpbuddy.

myhelpbuddy has created an opportunity for people to earn extra money by offering services and support for visa mentoring, relocation, mentoring, supermarket tour, assistance in room search, city tours, freelance technical work, Application preparation, airport pickup and orientation, and many more.

It is a platform where you can share your experience, expertise, skills and earn additional income. If you would like to become a BUDDY, have a look at the services that your can provide here.

You can also post your requests in myhelpbuddy if you need some support from buddies in the platform.